Great win!

Really poor second half but they survived and did what they had to do. William's finishing has really improved.

I don't see the same balance and skill from Illinois yet v last year..but it's just a scrimmage. Curious how they do this yr.

Big12Fan2024 said:

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Okay, that was fully worth the $9.73 !!!!!!

Thank you Scott Drew, Jerome Tang, Tweety, Ron, Jonathan, Jake and the rest of the staff. You gave me hope for Baylor athletics after Dave Aranda continually yanks it away.

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Indeed.

We have some obvious weaknesses.

But we've beaten #3 and #1 on the road in exhibitions where both are playing 100%.

Isaac Williams - 28 points
Kaden Mingo - 24 points
Decker - 15 points
Celiscar - 15 points

Bodo Bodo - 10 boards, 3 blocks

Bears finish 11-25 from 3
35-74 for 47.3% from the field

Bears outrebound Illinois - 47-38

Bears finish with 17 assists and 12 TOs.

Dylan Mingo had 8 assists and 6 boards before fouling out.

Johnny Bear said:

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I realize we're talking about 2 exhibition games, but still, beating the pre-season number 1 and number 3 teams on the road in front of hostile crowds in the space of 5 days is impressive. Should at least be confidence boosters going into the season.

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Baylor should be ranked soon.

The first 9 minutes:



Baylor looked good in this clip.

Big12Fan2024 said:

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Illinois hits a 3 at the buzzer.


BEARS WIN!!!!!!

95-91

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Thanks guys for the play-by-play! I am feelin it now!

Big12Fan2024 said:

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Quinton -- what do you think of Chatman?

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I didn't see enough of this one to tell. He's a little loose with the ball and tries to do too much at times.

I liked his energy and rebounding v Florida. His defense is hit or miss. I think he can be a nice contributor but needs coaching.

I don't think he's overmatched as a role player at this level but I do think he needs polish and coaching on the mental mistakes. His decision making is suspect so far

That's kinda what I've seen thus far. A role player coming off the bench who can relieve at some of the positions. It's a luxury we haven't had in several years.

Quinton said:

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Really poor second half but they survived and did what they had to do. William's finishing has really improved.

I don't see the same balance and skill from Illinois yet v last year..but it's just a scrimmage. Curious how they do this yr.

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I hope, and expect, that Stojakovic is OK.

Always look forward to your comments. It's a long season, keep up the good work.

Big12Fan2024 said:

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Isaac Williams - 28 points
Kaden Mingo - 24 points
Decker - 15 points
Celiscar - 15 points

Bodo Bodo - 10 boards, 3 blocks

Bears finish 11-25 from 3
35-74 for 47.3% from the field

Bears outrebound Illinois - 47-38

Bears finish with 17 assists and 12 TOs.

Dylan Mingo had 8 assists and 6 boards before fouling out.

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All of Decker's in the first half, right?

Good stuff, dude, let's keep this train rolling.

DEFINITELY!

Keep it ROLLING!

Finally can stop watching football,,,how much of this is on Tangs return?

Just finished our @BigTenPlus alt cast and wow...so impressed with @BaylorMBB and especially the guards. The Bears beat No. 1 @GatorsMBK and No. 3 @IlliniMBB in two exhibitions. Kayden Mingo had 31 against the Gators and 24 against the Illini. Isaac Williams dropped game-high 28.…

— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) October 24, 2026

That was quick! Here is the full game for those of us who missed it:



This looks like the full game as well, but from a gaming source:

Anyone know why Powell didn't play the first two exhibitions? Some sort of injury? He was given eligiblity, correct?

Mitch Henessey said:

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Thanks for the commentary, Big12 & foob! Trying to temper my expectations, but man, will it be nice to have the BaylorMBB I'm used to seeing again this year!

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No need to temper expectations my man! Let yourself enjoy it! This team has all the pieces to to be a top 4 team in the big 12.

One final note: In addition to Powell, Perez and Iguodala did not get in the game for the Bears tonight. Unsure if Perez is injured again, maybe still struggling with the after effects of the knee injury from last year or just not good enough yet to crack the rotation. Maybe someone else knows?

Played:
D Mingo
K Mingo
I Williams
E Williams
Bodo Bodo
Celiscar
Chatman
Decker
Soyoye

I saw Perez in the Florida exhibition. His movement looked very laborious and was wearing a big bulky brace. I think with our depth and talent he won't crack the rotation.

Reasonable supposition. It would probably be prudent.

Is Baylor a top 10 team? https://t.co/WLSDqMbZbW

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) October 24, 2026

Ewalker80 said:

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It's almost like this team didn't have its starting pg poached away by a competitor after he already signed his contract and our starting center lost to a season ending injury. It's amazing how much better you look when that doesn't happen.

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We were building poor, flawed rosters by Scott Drew standards long before we had a convenient excuses to.

I give Scott Drew full credit for what he's done with this roster, which would appear to be the best and most complete that we've had since 2022. But he's deserved the criticism he's gotten for allowing our program to stagnate the way it has since our title season.

The one thing I love about this team is it's deep and talented enough to allow our freshmen to be supporting actors, not featured talent. That's something we haven't had since we were last actually good, and I suspect it will help us tremendously in terms of consistency and decision-making this season.